Country Boy, City Girl [LHotP Fan Fiction]

Chapter Eleven:

Willie stood outside of the restaurant, fiddling with his bow-tie as he waited for Esther and her parents to arrive. He was extra nervous because he and Esther were planning on announcing their engagement to their families tonight. Of course it would probably be the easiest thing to do, but he didn't know.

"Good evening, Willie," said Mrs. Wilder, coming up the steps.

"Evening, Mrs. Wilder," he replied, nodding his head. "Mr. Wilder."

"Willie," said Mr. Wilder, coming with Esther by the arm.

She smiled at him as they passed by into the front door. He went in after them. Willie's parents hadn't come yet, but he had spent nearly four hours preparing the meal. As a special treat there was a cherry pie, Esther's parents' favorite dessert. Willie was really trying to make a good impression. Willie's parents showed up shortly afterwards. Mrs. Oleson was talking up a storm, as usual. Mr. Oleson kept sighing, but he smiled at Esther. He liked her well enough.

"Our parents seemed to have met their match," Esther whispered to Willie later during the meal.

"Yeah," he said, chuckling softly.

"What are you two whispering about?" Mrs. Oleson asked. "You know its rude to whisper and not tell everyone what you're laughing about."

Willie looked at Esther and stood, holding his glass. Instead of milk it was red wine. His mother looked at him in horror.

"Harriet," said Mr. Oleson firmly. "Leave the boy be. As a matter of fact, he's not even a boy anymore. Willie is man now."

"Thanks, Pa," Willie said, smiling at his father. "Well, if I can have your attention, I'd like to make an announcement. The reason we are having this dinner is because of what I'm about to tell you. Esther and I love each other very much. Because I feel that I can never live without her, I've asked her to marry me.....and she's accepted."

The table was silent. Then there was a bustle of talking as the Wilder's and Mr. Oleson congratulated Willie and Esther. Everyone seemed joyous until there was a crash. They all looked at Mrs. Oleson's place and began to laugh. She had fallen backwards, and fainted.